Brain Injury Clubhouse Model

An environment to engage brain injury survivors.

Clubhouse

The BIND Clubhouse program is based on the operating standards established by The International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance. The Clubhouse model was adapted from the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD) standards and have been successfully utilized by mental health Clubhouses for over 70 years. Currently, there are over a dozen brain injury Clubhouses in the United States, Canada, and Australia. BIND is the first and only Texas-based member of IBICA to complete Clubhouse training and to open a Clubhouse program in Texas.

The BIND Clubhouse is not traditional rehabilitation because it revolves around a work-ordered day rather than treatment groups or therapy. Members are encouraged to consider the organization their daily job, and everyone participates in numerous operations and decision-making of the program. Through their work, Members build vocational skills, increase self-esteem, and develop confidence in their ability to contribute productively.

The Clubhouse is organized into several work units. Members, staff and volunteers work together in the units to run all aspects of the organization. BIND work units include:

Work Readiness

Work Readiness is a program based on the concept of “Personal Social Adjustment Training” as described by the Texas Workforce Commission. Members in this program receive group training and vocational assessment in addition to participating in the typical work-ordered day at BIND. Work Readiness covers topics across 10-12 weeks related to growth and success in the workplace.

Each Work Readiness program participant will complete the series with a clear employment plan for the future. This includes fulfillment of a well-rounded skills, interests and strengths inventory that translates to the work setting. Additionally, participants will build physical and cognitive endurance and have the opportunity to identify and practice functional compensatory strategies. For more information, call 972-769-2463 or email Sierra Waddell at sierra@thebind.org. Click here to view or print our Work Readiness brochure.

To qualify for membership, applicants must:

Meet the basic requirements for BIND membership

Commit to attend the program 3 days/week for 10-12 weeks

Have transportation to/from BIND

Be referred by their Texas Workforce Commission counselor

Becoming a Member

Membership and contribution to the work-ordered day allows each person the opportunity to belong to a community that welcomes them and needs their active input and involvement. Member involvement is essential because they direct and inspire the program. In a Clubhouse setting, Members quickly come to realize that their presence is needed and in fact, relied upon.

Peer Partners

“The amazing part for me is friendship with people who have the same issues. It means a lot for us. You lose friends sometimes because they are afraid.”

– Jim, Stroke Survivor

The Brain Injury Network of Dallas is proud to facilitate the Peer Partners program, the only peer-directed mentoring program in our area for people affected by acquired brain injury. Since 2012, we have utilized a program developed at the Research and Training Center on Community Integration of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Supported by grants from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, this program is available for use within communities who are interested in providing structured, peer-led support for those struggling with adjustment to brain injury.

For more information about the Peer Partners program, please call us at 972-769-BIND (2463), or email us at outreach@thebind.org.

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About BIND

The Brain Injury Network of Dallas (BIND) provides supportive services for adult survivors of acquired brain injury and joins the gap between medical rehabilitation and independent, contributing community living.

Our mission is to provide tools and a bridge of support to adult brain injury survivors so they can reconnect into life, the community and the workplace. Our vision is to lead the DFW area in providing member-driven services and will serve as the model for Brain Injury Clubhouses across the state of Texas.